Racing
Cheltenham Festival 2025: Five Handicappers To Follow
I have looked ahead to a few of the handicaps at the Cheltenham Festival and nominated five horses who I believe should be given a second look and can be considered as each-way options.
Ballyadam
Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle, Wednesday 12th March
Could it be fifth time lucky at the Cheltenham Festival for Ballyadam? Henry de Bromhead’s charge has a great record at the meeting, having finished second in the 2021 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, fifth in the 2022 and 2023 County Hurdle, and second in this race last year.
He is 4lb higher this year, but he’s a very good horse and has undoubtedly been targeted at the race again. On the back of a nice win over the classy Saint Sam last time out, the 10-year-old represents fair each-way value at double-figure odds.
Asian Master
Jack Richards’ Handicap Chase, Thursday 13th March
Fourth in last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Asian Master looks tailor-made for this contest. The eight-year-old has shaped well in finishing third on both of his chase starts, including on chase bow behind Majborough, and looks very well handicapped off a mark of 144.
He brings a touch of class to the race, and the fact he has experience of Prestbury Park will be an advantage. Most of his rivals don’t have the same level of form that he does heading into the contest, so he’s one to consider for the all-conquering Willie Mullins team.
Win Some Lose Some
Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle, Thursday 13th March
JP McManus has a fine record in this valuable handicap and there’s a fair chance Win Some Lose Some will have a say in the matter.
The six-year-old relished the step up to three miles when beating a good field and had more in hand than the winning margin indicated at the finish.
This will be tougher, but he’s unexposed over this trip, with more to come, and not knowing where the ceiling of his ability is, he could be one to keep in mind!
Nine Graces
Kim Muir Handicap Chase, Thursday 13th March
It would be great to see the team gain a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, and I wouldn’t rule out Nine Graces running a big race. The eight-year-old bounded to a comfortable success at Punchestown last time out and should be even more effective over this longer trip.
A new personal best will be required if he’s to come out on top, but he’s worthy of a second look, given this is his only entry of the week at Cheltenham.
Hansard
County Hurdle, Friday 14th March
Hansard is a very interesting runner in the County Hurdle, as he brings a lot of good form to the table and warmed up for this with a solid third-place finish in the Kingwell Hurdle last time out.
He did well to finish as close as he did considering the race wasn’t run to suit, and the return to this bigger field is what he craves to be seen at his best.
The seven-year-old is a strong traveller and will relish the hustle and bustle. At whopping odds, he makes plenty of appeal.
